The Cincinnati Bengals created salary cap space this week by
restructuring quarterback Joe Burrow's contract, a move that longtime
observers say reflects an unusually aggressive offseason for the
According to multiple reports, the restructuring frees
up approximately $10 million in salary cap space and comes after the
Bengals acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in a
The move is notable because Cincinnati has
historically avoided restructuring contracts to push salary cap charges
“I think one of the biggest things for me,
quite frankly, is that it shows this continues to be an atypical
offseason,” Local 12 digital sports columnist and editor Richard Skinner
said to Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media. “From trading for Dexter Lawrence
to overspending at a couple of positions of need, it continues that
While some of the newly created cap space helps account
for Lawrence's contract, Skinner said the move also gives the Bengals
flexibility to address other roster needs, including adding a veteran
linebacker or offensive tackle.
The restructuring came just
minutes before the Bengals announced the signing of second-round draft
pick Cashius Howell, officially putting all seven members of the team's
2026 draft class under contract.
Unlike a pay cut, a restructuring converts salary into a signing bonus that can be spread across future years of the contract.
did the best of both worlds,” Skinner said. “It gives you the
flexibility to still add to the roster today without just kicking the
Petraglia noted the Bengals could have freed up nearly twice as much cap space but chose a more measured approach.
converting only enough salary to free up the $10 million, I think the
Bengals showed a layer of restraint,” Petraglia said. “It's the best of
both worlds for the Bengals in this particular case.”
The discussion also highlighted several emerging storylines from organized team activities.
is veteran safety Kyle Dugger, who joined Cincinnati after stops with
New England and Pittsburgh. Skinner described Dugger as a potentially
valuable veteran presence and a candidate to contribute in defensive
packages featuring three safeties.
The pair also discussed rookie
linebacker Boye Mafe, whose versatility could allow defensive
coordinator Al Golden to deploy more varied fronts featuring players who
can rush the passer or drop into coverage.
Both agreed that Lawrence remains one of the most intriguing additions heading into training camp.
cannot wait to see Dexter Lawrence line up against somebody else,”
Skinner said. “He's just going to overwhelm some people at times.”
minicamp begins next week, when coaches and media will get a clearer
picture of how the Bengals' revamped roster fits together heading into